Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!  While it's such a busy time of year, it's so nice to have this reminder to stop and reflect on the things we're oh so thankful for.  For me, it's long weekends, new babies, my sweet little home, red wine, weekend naps, family, girlfriends, cozy pj's, coffee, Ram football, surprise little presents, and snuggles :)

What are you thankful for this year??

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Around the Garden {fall}

Though the garden is pretty dead this time of year, there is still some beauty to be seen - like the maples that have turned the most gorgeous shade of red, the lone winter rose that didn't freeze, and the piles of colorful leaves {that I feel like I could rake daily and will never be gone}. 

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Seahawk Sunday

Yesterday, Mom and I headed down to the Clink to watch our first home game of the season.  We got there early, armed with lots of sweaters and ponchos, but the clouds magically cleared for game time, and it ended up being the most gorgeous sunny day {in November!}.  With my new lucky socks and our matching lucky gloves, we helped cheer the Hawks on to a tense and nail-biting victory over the Cardinals.  The energy in that stadium is amazing, and I can't wait to head back down there for another game in just a few short weeks.  Thanks for helping to bring the luck, Mom!  It was a good one :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy {Blue} Friday

It's finally time to head to a Hawks home game - my first of the year - and I'm bringing my most favorite lady in the whole world with me {mom}.  I anticipate a cold and rainy game, but that doesn't matter - as long as we beat those evil Cardinals :)  It's going to be a long road to the playoffs, but I have faith these boys can do it again.  Go Hawks!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Corretto

In typical fashion, I took Erika out for her annual birthday dinner about a month and a half after her actual birthday :)  Hey - at least it extends the celebration, right?  After sending her a list of possible birthday restaurants, she chose Corretto, a semi-new Italian trattoria on Capitol Hill {we're both suckers for good pasta}.  Per usual, we picked a couple plates to share {the pappardelle bolognese and gnocchi al pesto} and along with a good glass of wine and some bread for dipping, it was the perfect meal for us to share.  I will definitely want to come back to this cute little spot on the Hill {especially to take advantage of that half price wine night!} and try even more things on the menu {the tables next to us were getting the meat courses that made my mouth water despite my extremely full belly}.  Good pick, Erika - and Happy late Birthday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Rigatoni with Squash and Prawns

Last week I had Maddie over for dinner {it had been way too long!}.  I wanted to make something seasonal and hearty - something to warm us up after a week of 30 degree days.  While perusing Giada's Kitchen, I came across her Rigatoni with Squash and Prawns - something I've always wanted to try but haven't.  Knowing that Maddie likes to try new things just like me, I decided to go for it.  It ended up coming together way quicker than I had originally thought it would, so after enjoying our delicious meal {seriously - this one has amazing flavors!} we sat around drinking wine, catching up, and of course, laughing a lot.  I love this girl - and this meal :)

Rigatoni with Squash & Prawns

Ingredients
6 tblsp olive oil
1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup vegetable broth
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 lb prawns or large shrimp, peeled
3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup chopped basil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
1. Warm 3 tblsp olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat.  Add butternut squash, garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.  Saute until squash is gold and tender, about 7 minutes.  Add vegetable broth, bring to simmer, and cook until squash is very soft, about another 7 minutes.
2. Transfer squash mixture to blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
3. Cook pasta according to directions.
4. Warm remaining olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat.  Sprinkle prawns with remaining salt and pepper and add to pan to cook until just pink, about 3 minutes.
5. In large pot over low heat, combine cooked pasta, squash mixture, and 3/4 cup milk.  Stir to combine {add more milk if too thick}.  Add cooked prawns, basil, and cheese.  Stir until warm throughout and serve.

Serves 4-6

adapted from Giada's Kitchen

xoxo,
stephanie marie

B.o.B.

A few weeks ago, the boy asked me to go with him to the B.o.B. show at Neumo's, and of course I said yes.  We'd been listening to B.o.B.'s music on repeat for the past few months, which at the time drove me crazy, but in retrospect I'm so happy we did, as I actually knew most of the songs that were played at the show.  While it was a late night {on a school night!}, to be out listening to hip hop on Capital Hill we had a pretty great time dancing and singing to the music and laughing the whole night.  It's nice to get out of the routine every now and then :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Lila

This weekend we got to celebrate one of my favorite little girl's 2nd birthday.  I can't believe it's been two years since little miss Lila came into the world.  I will never forget getting that text the next morning with the sweetest picture of that scrunchy faced newborn.  Now, Lila is officially a toddler and definitely has a mind of her own :)  We spent Saturday afternoon celebrating this little lady with a mac & cheese bar, cupcakes, and sea creatures galore.  Happy Birthday sweet Lila!

 i stole merith's nephew for awhile who promptly fell asleep in my arms

lila and her best friend farrah

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy {so cold} Weekend

Happy Friday!  Is it cold where you are?  Each night this week I've been snuggling up on my couch close to the heater with a big cozy blanket around me, just trying to stay warm.  Where did this freezing cold come from?!?  I wasn't quite ready for it yet this year, but I'm trying to embrace the gorgeous sunrises and blue skies - at least it's not raining and snowing, right?  I hope you have a fabulous weekend - make a pot of chili, throw some logs on the fire, and stay warm!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

diana pic from iceland

Cougar Mountain

Knowing that last Saturday was going to be sunny and clear, we decided to venture out to Cougar Mountain for a "wilderness walk" through the leaves and trees.  I was afraid that "wilderness walk" meant hike, but the boy assured me that he wouldn't make me do something he knew I couldn't {especially since I had woken up with a stupid head cold that morning}.  We arrived at the park and proceeded to walk through muddy trails and mossy trees on this amazingly gorgeous and brisk fall day.  Though we were denied the breathtaking views that Google had promised {did we take a wrong turn or something??}, it was the perfect way to spend a sunny day out in nature, finding a new favorite spot just minutes from the city.  I know we'll be back, and I know we'll find that view eventually! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Grub

On my day off last week, David called to see if I wanted to grab a quick lunch on the top of Queen Anne.  I met him at Grub, a diner-like spot serving delicious comfort food.  We both went with the burgers and agreed that they were some of the best we've had in a very long time.  We ate and caught up on that gorgeous fall day before I headed home to start on my To Do list.  It was a great break in the day, and if you're looking for a fabulous burger, I'd highly suggest heading to Grub right away :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day!  Remember to thank a veteran {and their families!} for their sacrifices :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Long Weekend

My long weekend started out in the best possible way, by bringing takeout from our favorite restaurant to the Robinson's to spend some quality time with little Ryley {and his parents, of course} and watch the newest episode of Scandal.  The food was amazing, and I relished the time I got to hold and snuggle that little munchkin while his parents enjoyed a semi-leisurely dinner.  While I'm pretty sure I'm not ready to tackle parenthood quite yet, I do love those evenings I get to hang out with the little guy, if only for those quick smiles and snuggles :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Sunset

I'm taking a self-imposed long weekend this weekend and cannot wait to spend tomorrow catching up on shows, organizing the house, working in the yard, and maybe even taking myself out to lunch :)  Have a great weekend, and I leave you with the most gorgeous sunset from last week.  Pretty nice, eh?

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Cookbook Roundup

It's that time of year, where the weather is getting colder and most nights I want to stay in, make good food, and snuggle on the couch.  Here are a few new cookbooks on my wishlist lately that would be perfect for these cold winter nights:

Homemade Decadence

 Seriously Delish

 It's All Good

 A Boat, A Whale, & A Walrus

Barefoot in Paris

What are your favorites right now??

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Ballard Bridge Cafe

Sunday morning we decided to go out for breakfast, and our only requirements were somewhere new and close by.  After searching Google maps, we came up with the Ballard Bridge Cafe - right across the bridge and in the Trader Joe's building.  I had pretty low expectations {I had driven by hundreds of times and never even noticed this place} but was immediately hooked by the old school diner feel and the increasingly full tables.  We grabbed a few seats at the counter and immediately ordered coffee {for me} and scrambles {I got the Golden Garden, which was delish}.  The place was full of fans in Seahawks gear getting ready for the game ahead, and with great service and amazing food, I will happily be back to this place I could pretty much walk to {if it's not raining, of course}.  Nothing better than a great breakfast to start the day!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Halloween

Did everyone have a good Halloween weekend?  Mine was pretty great!  We started Friday evening at my house handing out candy to my 8 trick or treaters and eating witches stew, then headed downtown for a night of costume parties and shenanigans.  We made it to several different parties and costume contests, before heading back through the completely empty Pike Place Market, where we had a little impromptu photo shoot {it was pretty cool to be the only ones there}.  It was a fabulous way to start the weekend and celebrate a fun holiday in the city.

 britney and the northern king

xoxo,
stephanie marie